openings + exhibitions

Travel Across the Universe and back again tonight! This all girls' art exhibition opens at No Vacancy Gallery, Melbourne, from 6 - 8pm. On show will be artworks by 11 talented gals including Lisa King, Nickas, Snookie, Scarlett, Kelly Smith, Deb, Honor Bowden, Bec Winnel, Nicole Tattersall, Rachee Renee and Lauren Sutter. (Thanks to Lauren Sutter whose blog helped me find most of these links in no time!)

No Vacancy Gallery
27-33 Red Cape lane, Melbourne.
Opening night: 15th October 2008; 6pm - 8pm
Exhibition: 16th Ocotber - 22nd October 2008.

These girls have been busy! The intriguing works below were photographed by Nicole Tattersall at the Drape it in Sound exhibition a little while ago. I love Nicole's Ghost artwork!.

also showing now...

is A to Z at Brunswick Bound, featuring the talents of another four indie faves: Catherine Campbell, Andrea Innocent, Mel Stringer and Eveline Tarunadjaja! I'm wishing I was there...

Brunswick Bound
361 Sydney Rd, Brunswick, Melbourne.
Exhibition: 11th - 31st October 2008.

and another show...

Bec Winnel and Kelly Smith will also be taking part in the upcoming Cream Coloured Ponies & Crisp Apple Strudels exhibition at The Grand Social pop-up store later this month. They will be joined by Kareena Zerefos, Courtney Brims, Anna Pogossova, Eugenia Tsimiklis, Tina Salama & tmod. This one will be in my little home town (Sydney)! Found via Daydream Lily.

The Grand Social Pop-up Store
461 Oxford Street, Paddington, Sydney.
Opening night: 30th October 2008; 6pm - 9pm
Exhibition: Fri 31st Ocotber - Sat 1st November 2008, 11am - 6pm.

If you've been to any of these shows, or have them jotted down in your diary, we'd love to hear your comments!

Congratulations to Claire Suzy Stannard whose exhibition, 'Version 1' at Gallery Adagio (Glebe), was really impressive! Little red dots were scattered throughout, which is always great to see on an opening night, and there were quite a few pieces that I wanted to take home - such as the pink acrylic wall pieces pictured above!

The bronze pieces were smaller than I expected from the images I'd seen previously, and the scale worked really well. You can see more of Claire's work at www.clairesuzystannard.com - from here you can choose to visit her art + design site (to see more of her sculptural work) or visit Stannard Inc to see her "mens & womens urban accessories". (Check out The Bronze Age range!!)

I'm looking forward to seeing lots more of Claire's work in the future! If you attended the exhibition, we'd love to hear your comments...

Sydney-based artist & designer Claire Suzy Stannard's first solo exhibition, 'Version 1', is opening at Gallery Adagio (Glebe) in this Friday evening. As we're proudly sponsoring the show, we thought we should fill you in about Claire's inspirations, motivations & processes - so we asked here a few questions...

I 1. What led you down the path of art & design?

CSS One of the main aspects I find fascinating is the physical constraints that designing involves. It leads to a process of constant problem solving... ...dealing with the immovable laws of physics, while simultaneously trying to mesh them with a concept that is engaging and aesthetically pleasing (the art component).It promotes a mental nimbleness, taking set factors & constantly reconfiguring them.
So to put it simply it could be about the quest of the perfect (but unobtainable) solution... utilising left and right brain!

I 2. Who are your favourite artists/designers & how have they inspired your current work?

CSS In 1919 Johannes Itten wrote the first basic course for the Bauhaus in Germany. He attempted to strip back all the superfluous flourishes that became popular styles with artisans. Simple explorations in the theory of colour, forms & materials amongst other areas encouraged students to start their work from a position of honesty & integrity, and had the added benefit of producing really original, varied works. To look at it now it is incredibly contemporary. He was an original thinker.

Andy Goldsworthy does amazing, in situ works. Using mainly natural materials he creates patterns & structures that seem to defy the laws of nature. They are painstakingly constructed only to be destroyed by the elements a short time later. Itten & Goldsworthy's work are linked by their seemingly simple approach & beauty, but are beguilingly complex. In my own work I am attempting to achieve this balance.

I 3. With their striking composition & perspective, your wall pieces seem to move between 2D and 3D space – did you begin making two-dimensional art and move into sculpture, or are you a sculptor who sees the hanging space on gallery walls as another location to explore?

CSS 3D work is my real interest, due to the challenging nature of it, but I don’t think I’ve ever consciously distinguished the difference. I just make. The impossible perspective pieces in particular are about having fun by teasing the eye & attempting to trick the brain.

I 4. What are your favourite materials to work with & why?

CSS As I like working quickly I look for materials that are easy to manipulate so that my ideas can take form rapidly for which wood is ideal. Plus its sensuous grain, tactile nature & smell are beautiful.

I 5. How do you balance your time between your art practice & commercial jewellery design?

CSS I'm pretty unorganized so I do a 6 month plan for the jewellery business (new products, marketing etc) & implement it depending on its urgency 2-5 days per week.

The art is left to develop & follow its own course in the remaining time.

I 6. In what direction do you plan to take your art in the future?

CSS I imagine that it will become more reductionist as I go along… the eternal quest for truth & beauty...but we'll see how the exhibition goes!

'Version 1' opens on Friday 19th September, from 6pm - 9pm & continues until 6th October at:

Gallery Adagio
91 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe, NSW, 2009.
ph. 02 9552 2833

Hope to see some of you there!

Bridget Bodenham, Crackers, 2008, unglazed, sculpted, cut and pierced high fired stoneware clay.

The Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award Exhibition 2008 showcases some of Australia's most exciting, outward-looking and globally focussed
design. Recognised as the most prestigious award in Australian design, the show opens tomorrow at Object Gallery in Surry Hills (Sydney) and continues until 2.11.2008. There are 10 finalists, and we're giving you a sneak peak of just four of the works here - I don't want to spoil the surprise for those of you who can make it in person! (Each designer is represented by their Award entry as well as other designs from their broader body of work.)

Pictured above is "Nutcrackers" by Bridget Bodenham. These forms are directly influenced by the movement of grinding, cracking and crushing. They refer to the prehistoric or early food gathering cultures where food preparation was a physical act deeply connected to the environment and fundamental to the wellbeing of society. Bridget developed the forms through an intuitive play approach to weight, shape & surface texture. I particularly love the warm, muted earth colours and surface design!

John Hoogendoorn, Aurora Lamp, 2008, opal acrylic.

John Hoogendoorn's "Aurora Lamp" (pictured above) explores ideas in strengthening the emotional bond between objects and the user. It is made from acrylic layers representing the letter 'J'. Each part is twisted in relation to its neighbour to allow a complex 3D form to materialize from simple two dimensional components.

Trent Jansen, Kissing Pendants, 2008, pressed aluminium, CAD drawing.

The design of Trent Jansen's "Kissing Pendants" (above) is so simple - and brilliant! I would love to have these guys illuminating my personal space. The Kissing Pendants were designed as a sustainable piece of lighting, aiming to be involved in a lasting personal relationship with their owner, fostered by the human characteristics that this piece possesses. The pendants are an expression of the intimacy that exists between two people when they kiss. When the lights are off, the two shades hand separately, side by side, but when pushed together are held by a magnetic attraction. A magnetic reed switch then turns the lights on simultaneously.

Christina Waterson, Plexa Module, 2007, stainless steel.

"Plexa#1" (above) is Christina Waterson's series of interlocking modules that allow the individual to experiment, reinvent and personalise their surroundings. As modules are interlocked, the natural geometries that stem from material properties create elusive forms and surfaces. Plexa#1 is designed to use the otherwise useless strips leftover from industrial sheet processes and cutting.

If you live in Sydney, do get along - admission & inspiration are free! The Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award Exhibition 2008 is on at Object Gallery from 6.9.2008 to 2.11.2008. (St Margarets 417 Bourke Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010. T. 02 9361 4511)

"Drape It In Sound" is a one night exhibition celebrating the rich textile culture of Brunswick (Melbourne). It will be held tomorrow night (Wednesday, 31.7.2008) and will showcase a diverse collection of local artists who have created works using many different materials & techniques - costumes, felting, screen printig, embroidery, silk painting, photography & installation. indie art & design fave Nicole Tattersall will be exhibiting works based on new illustrations & made from 95% recycled materials. (Nicole also launched her blog not too long ago at http://nicoletattersall.blogspot.com)

If you'd like to see a variety of creative approaches to using textiles in art, make your way to The Spot, 133 Sydney St, Brunswick, from 7pm - 10pm. (There will be a glass of bubbly waiting for you at the door...)
ONE NIGHT ONLY!

We first discovered Sydney-based artist & designer Claire Suzy Stannard when she exhibited her contemporary jewellery & accessories at Hope Street Markets back in May. We were impressed then, and we're thrilled now to announce that Claire is having a solo exhibition titled 'Version 1' at Gallery Adagio (Glebe) in September. indie art & design is proudly sponsoring 'Version 1' & looking forward to posting an artist feature closer to the date!

Claire Suzy Stannard has always been fascinated with the flawlessness of geometric art & the purity of the etherial Platonic Form, eternal & beyond the reach of the mundane world of error and compromise. Her recent work explores the ideals of balance and symmetry in modern design. Displayed in 2- and 3-dimensions, Claire's work uses a variety of media including wood, perspex & recycled materials (commonly created then discarded by modern society) to create sculptures & wall-pieces that invite the viewer to partake of the geometric aesthetic.

The result is a playful exploration that resembles part 70s sci-fi movie set, brutalist forms from the old soviet block and some 1950s modernism for good measure.

'Version 1' opens on Friday 19th September, from 6pm - 9pm & continues until 6th October at:

Gallery Adagio
91 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe, NSW, 2009.
ph. 02 9552 2833

We're already looking forward to the opening! (These images look fantastic, so I can't wait to see more of Claire's work on show...)

"DESIGN DEMYSTIFIED: Inspiration Uncovered" is a window installation which can now be seen at Kids in Berlin (North Melbourne). The installation is part of PROJEKTA 57, a "mini festival" of PopUps involving five independent Melbourne galleries/shops in Victoria St. PROJEKTA 57 is a part of the Melbourne International Design Festival, and the other PopUps are at Bamakko, Famous When Dead, Lumbi, and designloop.

For DESIGN DEMYSTIFIED: Inspiration Uncovered, four Melbourne designers have created elements of their workspace within the Kids in Berlin window, accompanied by Matt Solomon's photographic exhibition of the designers' studios. The installation features some of our indie faves: Angela White (Sew Your Own), Liz Jones (Betty Jo Designs), Anna Blandford (Anna Laura), and Madeleine Beatty (Madz has Runaway). Peep into the KIB window to catch a snapshot of each designer's studio - their tools of trade, favourite materials and the miscellaneous articles they surround themselves with to inspire and influence their creative journey.

You can even meet Liz, Anna, Madeleine & Angela in person at in store "Meet the Designer" demos! Details are as follows:

• Friday 18th July, 3-6pm: Madz has Runaway
• Saturday 19th July, 2-5pm: Betty Jo Designs
• Friday 25th July, 3-6pm: Anna Laura
• Saturday 26th July, 2-5pm: Sew Your Own

I'm a big fan of all four labels, & I think it would be a wonderful opportunity to gain a little more insight into the efforts, techniques, individuality & inspiration behind these indie businesses... So if you're in Melbourne, make sure to get along to Kids in Berlin sometime between now and Sunday 27th July! As many of you probably know, KIB is a fantastic boutique, and is well-known for stocking indie labels. Owner Jenny Sabine says "that the DESIGN DEMYSTIFIED: Inspiration Uncovered window intallation fits beautifully with the aim of Kids in Berlin to promote and support emerging independent designers". Kids in Berlin is located at 472 Victoria St, North Melbourne, 3051.

Special thanks to Liz Jones for sending through the window pics!

Midnight Morning - a limited and handcrafted publication combining the distinct work of Haline Ly, Matt Huynh and Will Loeng.

TONIGHT is the launch of exciting new book + exhibition "Midnight Morning". We first discovered the talented Matt Huynh & his alter ego STiKMAN Comics through the Hope Street Markets back in June 2007. I love his experimental graphic novels - he has produced sooo many great artworks (which have appeared on all sorts of things - from clothing & magazines to tattoos & vinyl toys), and is also represented by the Jacky Winter Group. Matt has collaborated with fellow members of the Popperbox collective of Sydney-based artists, Haline Ly and Will Loeng, to produce a new & never-before-seen illustration series celebrating shared experiences of love and devastation.

"Good Things Only" by Haline Ly, from handcrafted publication Midnight Morning

"Midnight Morning represents the fruition of a long standing personal ambition to work alongside two of my favourite artists on a fiercely independent, self-initiated project. My admiration for both Haline Ly and Will Loeng's insightful work has only intensified since my exposure to their profound artistic ethos has guided this exploration of affirming themes, new techniques and illustrative styles beyond my individual reach." - Matt Huynh.

"Rorschach" by Will Loeng, from handcrafted publication Midnight Morning

I'm really looking forward to seeing more work by Haline Ly and Will Loeng... Haline was born in Suresnes in France and migrated to Australia in 1986. Her work is full of colour, characters & critters and she also sells selected artworks, toys & badges through her online store www.claretduskymoonpie.com.

Will has taken part in collaborative exhibitions including From Here, Sincerely (2007), Extra Cheeese (2007), Copy Cats 2 (2007) and Fields of Conversation (2007). He is inspired by the delicacy of Art Nouveau and his works have also appeared in shop windows and interiors, magazines, websites, clothing, posters and an upcoming album cover. (For which band, I wonder?...)

"Wardrobe" by Matt Huynh, from handcrafted publication Midnight Morning

The Midnight Morning book is also available from www.popperbox.com/midnightmorning for AUD $40. It features a hand-pressed dust jacket cover, 15 mini-posters, measures 280x280mm and is beautifully printed onto 325gsm paper stock.

To commemorate the release of the book, Midnight Morning will be launched with a concurrent show at Rococo Productions' warehouse exhibition space. For one night only, original artwork from the book wil be displayed and will be available for sale alongside a selection of the artists' other artwork, books & prints. All three artists will be there to meet us fans, discuss their work & sign editions of the book.

"Confetti" by Haline Ly, from handcrafted publication Midnight Morning

If you are in Sydney, you'll be wanting to make tracks to the Midnight Morning Book Launch and Exhibition - tonight! Details are as follows:

6pm - 9pm
Thursday 17th July 2008
12 O'Connell St, Newtown
Admission is free & refreshments & music provided!

"Spin" by Matt Huynh, from handcrafted publication Midnight Morning

On tonight is the book launch of The Weekend Artist by local Sydney artist Gerard Smith, better known as "the guy in the art store". If you're in Sydney, why not join the celebrations at:

Oxford Art Supplies
221 – 225 Oxford St,
Darlinghurst, 2010.
Thursday 10th July, 6–8pm

The Weekend Artist is full of projects designed to release your inner artist. It gives you just enough technical information to create contemporary, achieveable works that would be a bold addition to any home. Gerard has kindly answered a few of our questions to give us some insight into the process of getting published!

I 1. How did the book come about?

GS When I decided to study graphic design, I scored a part-time job at Oxford Art Supplies in Darlinghurst. After a while I began to notice that there was a demand from customers for simple projects that they could do in a weekend and no be embarrassed to hang on their wall. I started to draw up some basic projects and it sort of went from there.

I 2. So how did you get the deal?

GS I literally rang Murdoch books out of the blue and asked them the process involved in getting a book published. They in turn sent me a list of requirements which was quite in-depth. I gave myself two months to put together a proposal, which involved developing more projects, writing sample text and designing the format. I really want to stress that I didn't get this deal through any connections - I come form the least artistic family in the world. If you have the desire to do something you can always make or find your own breaks.

I 3.What was the process like?

GS It was fun, but exhausting. Each project has step-by-step photographs, so I had to make up about 3-4 prototypes for each project because the photographer obviously can't wait for paint to dry. I really enjoyed writing even if some of my more slightly risque puns were cut out by the editor. I did manage to get the word 'piss' (as in piss off) in there which I was quite proud of. I had this silly thing in my head where I wanted to be the first 'how-to' book with a swear word in it!

I 4. What's it like to see your book on the shelf?

GS The first time I went to find the book I went into Borders and asked the assistant did they 'have a book called The Weekend Artist, by some guy called Smith, I think' - I was too embarrassed to tell her it was my book. She said they had one in stock and we went to the shelves to find it. It wasn't there, so she did some more research and told me that it had been stolen! I took that as enormous compliment. I figure if it's good enough to steal, then it's good enough to buy!

I Thanks so much Gerard & all the best for the book launch tonight! Fingers crossed for The Weekend Artist going platinum... can books do that? You'll find copies of Gerard's shiny new book (AUD $34.95) on the shelves of quite a few Australian bookstores, including Oxford Art Supplies (Chatswood & Darlinghurst, Sydney & ONLINE).

Opening in Melbourne on Thursday night is a new group exhibition... and a new gallery! To celebrate the opening of brand new artist space, Gorker Gallery, the 40 Thieves exhibition will fill the walls with a collection of 15x15inch artworks by some of the best leading international street and fine artists.

40 Thieves has been curated by Timba of Wooden Toy Quarterly and Nate Holmes Trapnell of The Southpaw. The artist lineup is impressive - the 40 thieves include some indie art & design favourites which you're sure to recognise...

"Gisele" limited edition print by MyCharlieGirl (Melbourne artist Bec Winnel)

Featured Thief 1: Bec Winnel
We've recently seen the work of MyCharlieGirl popping up in publications all over the place! Melbourne artist Bec Winnel creates delicate & incredibly beautiful artworks by combining her natural talent for sketching with digital work in Photoshop. She has created a distinctive style which I love, & one of her new works is pictured above. "Gisele" is a limited edition Giclee print & is availble for US $35 from the MyCharlieGirl Etsy store.

"Red Riding Hood" by Akina (Sydney artist Lang Leav)

Featured Thief 2: Akina
I really admire Lang Leav & her label Akina, and "Red Riding Hood" (pictured above) is one of my favourites from her "Villains". Each of her artworks is accompanied by a familiar tale with a twist...

The 40 Thieves exhibition opens Thursday evening 6-9pm (19.6.2008).
The show continues until Wednesday 3.7.2008. Gorker Gallery opening hours are: 11am - 7pm Tuesday - Sunday, and the gallery is located at 395 Gore St (corner of Gore St & Kerr St), Fitzroy, 3065. Phone 03 9416 5111.
If you're in Melbourne, make sure to get along!